Architect

Under the direct supervision of the Design Manager and in close collaboration with the Head of Infrastructure Service Delivery, the Architect will support the design, development and implementation of infrastructure components under the portfolio, in full accordance with UNOPS guidelines and procedures and other applicable national and international standards. 

This includes but is not limited to, supporting the development and review of infrastructure designs, liaison with internal and external stakeholders in assuring the quality of designs, monitoring and assuring of infrastructure quality during the construction phase providing independent technical evaluation and recommendations to uphold the integrity of infrastructure implementation and participating in business development efforts as necessary. More specifically, the Architect will be accountable for the following: 

1. Technical Responsibilities

• Support the Design Manager in ensuring the compliance of both the design development and implementation/construction phase with UNOPS regulations, as well as Uzbekistan national codes and standards, as necessary and oversee this process.

• Contribute to producing the requisite project deliverables including comprehensive risk assessments on design documents, identify potential issues, and collaborate closely with project teams to formulate mitigation strategies that ensure project success.

• Foster effective communication and collaboration among diverse design disciplines, such as architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, to ensure a harmonious and integrated design approach.

• Play a pivotal role in coordinating with design consultants and their performance during the design development phase, particularly in the domain of architectural, spatial sustainability and energy building efficiency disciplines, operation and maintenance and Health and Safety considerations.

• Assist the Design Manager in providing technical expertise to the team in monitoring quality assurance design implementation/construction phase.

• Review technical specifications of equipment and materials for adherence to quality standards.

• Explore and assess cost-effective design alternatives and opportunities for value engineering, aiming to optimize project outcomes in terms of cost, performance, and sustainability.

• Support the Design Manager in coordinating technical design review approvals and in continuously evaluating and enhancing the design review process, streamlining workflows, and identifying potential areas for efficiency improvements to enhance the overall efficacy of the design review function.

• Provide impartial technical evaluations and recommendations, devoid of any conflicts of interest, and uphold the integrity of technical opinions in the face of project pressures.

• Actively participating in progress reviews and project coordination meetings, and subsequently creating meeting minutes.

• When necessary, collaborate with the procurement team to assess bids and contribute to evaluation reports.

• Support business development efforts as necessary, including liaison with potential clients, preparation of preliminary cost estimates, preliminary design documentation, and other tasks as necessary

• Execute any other responsibilities as assigned by the Supervisor.

2. Technical Documentation and Reporting

• Developing technical documentation and providing guidance to projects in developing their designs.

• Generating comprehensive and accurate bills of quantity, while keeping estimating rates up to date.

• Assist the Design Manager in preparing monthly and quarterly progress reports.

• Cooperating with fellow Infrastructure practitioners to collect and maintain construction data.

3. Knowledge sharing and management

• Engage in the project evaluation process by identifying and highlighting project-related challenges, and actively participating in a continuous improvement cycle.

• Support in delivering training and knowledge transfer to national/contractor personnel, offering guidance on sound design, construction, and engineering practices, as well as promoting environmental management practices, sustainability and resilience measures and appropriate health and safety standards.

• Contribute to the dissemination and exchange of best practices and lessons learned to enhance development planning and knowledge development.

• Participate in relevant Communities of Practice, fostering interaction with fellow Infrastructure practitioners and the broader community to share case studies, lessons learned, and best practices through the Knowledge System.

• Provide constructive feedback to Practice Leads on policies and supporting guidelines, with the goal of continuously enhancing UNOPS policies.

Impact of results

The Architect's capacity to efficiently produce outcomes plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project is completed punctually, within budget, and with exceptional quality, surpassing the expectations of all parties involved. This, in consequence, elevates UNOPS' standing as a proficient provider of project services and management, reinforcing its competitive position as the favored collaborator for sustainable development and project services.

a. Education

• A Master's degree or a Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a relevant field with 2 years of relevant experience is desired and may substitute for additional years of experience.

• Additional certification by recognised institutions in the subject matter is an advantage.

b. Work experience 

• At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in Architecture.

• Knowledge of construction norms and standards of The Republic of Uzbekistan is mandatory. 

• Knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD or an alternative) is mandatory.

• Experience in the UN system organizations is desirable.

c. Languages

• Working knowledge of English is required.

• Fluency in either Uzbek or Russian is required. Fluency in both is an asset.